The Lake Forest Yacht Club in Jefferson Township was once again the host venue for the now 10th year of wakeboard competition on Lake Hopatcong. Competitors came from out of state to compete in the popular event with all eying the $1,000 top prize. The action on the water stretched over the entire day Saturday, August 12th. Vendors lined the club's beach selling as expected stuff for the boarding life: swimsuits, tee shirts and even a practice winch like the one used at the event, giving anyone with a board a chance to take a ride along the beach and show off their moves. (Photo: Anthony Lawson)

10th Annual Jersey Wakeoff Takes Over Lake Forest Yacht Club

This year was the 10th anniversary of the Jersey Wakeoff. The day was filled with excitement as the competition was intense for the large crowd. An estimated 1,000 people were in attendance by the end of the event for the advanced division.

Throughout the day the Jefferson Township Fire Company sold a variety of food and drinks and there was a beer truck for adults to enjoy. Children swam in the lake before the events began and they gathered at the edge of the water to watch the competition.

Special recognition is given to six competitors who have participated in this event every year since its beginning: Ryan Sorensen, Randy Sorensen, Tommy DeSena, Mark Kramaritsch, Mike Levinson, and Evan Kurzman. Four of these individuals helped make this event possible ten years ago to be held at Hopatcong State Park.

The Jersey Wakeoff has grown from once being a small local competition to one that attracts competitors from locations all over the nation. In its early beginnings Hopatcong State Park hosted the event yet as the competition grew and needed a change the venue switched to the Lake Forest Yacht Club. The name of the competition also grew as it changed from Garden State Wakeoff to the Jersey Wakeoff.

Cutting behind the specially designed tow boat, Austin Gewecke does a success flip off the intentionally high wake. The judges on the both had front row seats to all the twists, turns and flips of the competitors. (Photo: Anthony Lawson)

Professional Wakeboarder Bob Zolman of Orlando Florida was clearly enjoying his time in the water as he went through his paces for the assembled crowd. (Photo: Anthony Lawson)

Tony Hesse gave the crowd something to look at as he is towed by the winch just off the beach area doing a 360-degree flip. (Photo: Anthony Lawson)

Professional Wakeboarder Bob Zolman came from Orlando Florida to judge and put on a little exposition for the crowd. He flew high above the tow boat as he made pass after pass to the assembled crowd, ensuring he got close enough to get some wet in the process. (Photo: Anthony Lawson)

Paul Tobin is firmly clamped to his board as he takes to the air over the wake. (Photo: Anthony Lawson)

Chip Haney digs deep in the trough of the wake setting up his next move. (Photo: Anthony Lawson)

Arden Kassaleh was all smiles throughout her run leaving no doubt she was having fun competing with the boys. (Photo: Anthony Lawson)

Steve Bowker reaches back to touch his board proving he has a steady grip on the tow line. (Photo: Anthony Lawson)

Trey Povanda moves down like skipping off the wake and setting up his next maneuver. (Photo: Anthony Lawson)

Zach Bryan give everyone a flash of his board bottom as he flies past the beach crowd. (Photo: Anthony Lawson)

Kere Lewis was the last rider in the Girls Group, but that did not stop her from getting air. (Photo: Anthony Lawson)

Kyle Fries tries to reach around for the tow rope in an attempt to do a twisting trick. (Photo: Anthony Lawson)

Austin Gewecke hit the water with a lot of energy which served him well as he moved through a sting of successful tricks. (Photo: Anthony Lawson)

Vance has all the beach sand to himself as the craziness goes on behind him. Vance was at the beach with his family from Ramsey. (Photo: Anthony Lawson)

Amanda Ventre is a senior at Jefferson Township High School. She's involved in multiple honor societies, and officer positions in clubs including student government and environmental club. She spends her free time with a good book, studying and volunteering for causes she's passionate about. She can be reached at amanda.ventre@thejeffersonchronicle.com.

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